You can learn to speak and read Chinese in 52 weeks without any classes. I did it in 100, but with the full roadmap you can do better. All items here were tested and 100% approved.

Step One: Pronounce Like a Pro
Chinese has 2 vowel sounds and 2 consonants that English doesn't. Also, it's a tonal language, so there's intonation as a critical part of speech. So what does that mean? It means you need to practice hard core off the bat so you don't sound retarded when speaking or learn bad habits. Spend three months with Pimsleur and go as far as you can.

Pimsleur Chinese I * Pimsleur Chinese II * Pimsleur Chinese III
This is nonstop listen, speak, listen, speak. Do it in your car on the way to work, and follow all instructions. If you walk to work and people see you on the street, they will think you are homeless and crazy talking to yourself. If that makes you uncomfortable, you will fail. Within six months, your pronunciation (but not vocabulary) will exceed even white peo…